Edge Hill, Warks

March 2013

... site of a great Civil War battle where the Earl of Essex fought, rather inconclusively, the King's army.

We walked 3-4 miles thereabouts in brisk but bright weather and finished up at the popular, tastefully civil war themed Castle Inn.

The Castle (seen pic left, top right) is quite startling (and built 100 years after the battle) but the food and atmosphere were good and the beer Hook Norton, a favourite of ours.

Suitably gorged we drove over to the Whittle Museum, now known as the Midland Air Museum but still based on the jet engine invented / developed by Sir Frank Whittle.

And here we had one of our Great Experiences, being the opportunity to climb into an Avro Vulcan bomber.

Having seen them close overhead at an air show, knowing their famous adventure down to the South Atlantic to bomb the Falklands and terrify the "Argies" we were all thrilled to be on board.

Sadly there is only one Vulcan still flying (contribute here) but even seeing it grounded like this was a memorable experience!

Finally, despite the satnav, to The White Lion in Hampton in Arden (which was in old Warwickshire but they say is now in Solihull) for a good meal and a good night's rest.

Its website pushes the gastro-pub / restaurant side but it still retains some of the atmosphere of a lively local pub.

A good combo in our view.

Next, we head for Staffordshire and the following day back to Warwickshire to make sure we have walked our target of 8-10 miles per county.